Reid says leaders will head to White House tonight

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he and Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) will head back to the White House on Wednesday night to discuss a budget agreement.

"We're going to continue the conversation we've been having for weeks with this administration," Reid said on the floor. 

Reid reiterated that he wants to avoid a government shutdown and still hopes to reach consensus on a budget deal to fund the government through Sept. 30. 

"We're not going to give up, we're going to keep talking to find a middle ground," Reid said on the floor. 

Reid criticized Republicans for "avoiding tough choices we need to make" and for refusing to compromise as a shutdown looms this weekend. 

Meanwhile, House Republicans are proposing another short-term stopgap measure that would cut $12 billion in spending cuts, fund the Defense Department through the rest of the year and, avoid a shutdown for another week. 

Reid called the plan "a short cut around doing our jobs." and said "it's not just bad policy it's a fantasy." 

Some lawmakers said talks were progressing on a long-term agreement but time is running out.

"It's time for my friends in the House to stop campaigning and start governing," Reid said. 

President Obama has urged Congress to reach an agreement on a spending bill that would fund the government for the rest of the year. Many lawmakers have expressed opposition to funding the government a week at a time.